Tall ship foundation focuses on fundraising

As SSV Oliver Hazard Perry enters its final phases of construction in Newport, R.I., the non-profit organization Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island has made its end-of-year priorities clear.

The goal is to maximize two fundraising opportunities and continue to develop and book the education programs that promise to set a sound course for the tall ship’s future once it is completed in 2013.

“It is a very exciting time for SSV Oliver Hazard Perry,” chairman Bart Dunbar. “We are using as many Rhode Island marine trades professionals as possible to build this ship, and at Senesco alone we have already funded 6,000 hours of skilled labor. Our goal is to move the ship to Newport for a dedication on July 6, 2013, and continue working toward having her Coast Guard inspected, certified and operational for the bicentennial of the Battle of Lake Erie on Sept. 10, 2013.”